Skiing In Hallstatt: A Winter Adventure In Austria

Yes, you can ski in Hallstatt, Austria. The village is located in the Dachstein-Salzkammergut region, which offers a large selection of attractive ski and ski tour areas for winter sports lovers. The main ski areas in Hallstatt are the ski resorts Krippenstein – Obertraun and Hallstatt. The ski resorts are located between 1.6 kilometres and 6.0 kilometres from the centre of the village. Hallstatt is also located in the Dachstein Mountains, Upper Austria, and the Eastern Alps.

Ski resorts near Hallstatt

Yes, you can ski in Hallstatt, Austria. The village is located in the Dachstein-Salzkammergut region, which is in the Dachstein Mountains, Upper Austria (Oberösterreich), and the Eastern Alps (Ostalpen).

The main ski areas in Hallstatt are the Krippenstein-Obertraun and Hallstatt ski resorts, which are located between 1.6 kilometres and 6 kilometres from the centre of the village. In the Dachstein-Salzkammergut region, skiers and snowboarders can explore three ski resorts, and in the Salzkammergut, there are 25 ski resorts.

The Heritage Hotel Hallstatt is a great option for accommodation, as it is only a few minutes' drive from three ski areas: Dachstein-West, Dachstein Krippenstein, and Loser. These three ski areas offer around 200 kilometres of perfectly prepared pistes. The famous Dachstein-West ski area boasts 160 kilometres of ski runs and 70 ski lifts.

The ski area Dachstein West Gosau is a great option for beginners, pleasure skiers, and snowboarders, with wide, perfectly groomed slopes, modern lifts, and beautiful huts where traditional dishes are served.

Skiing for beginners in Hallstatt

If you're a beginner looking to ski in Hallstatt, you're in luck! This UNESCO World Heritage region in Austria's Dachstein Salzkammergut offers a winter wonderland of well-groomed slopes, impressive mountain views, and a variety of ski resorts to choose from. Here's everything you need to know to get started:

Ski Resorts in Hallstatt

The main ski resorts in Hallstatt are Krippenstein-Obertraun and Hallstatt, located between 1.6 kilometres and 6.0 kilometres from the centre of the village. The Krippenstein-Obertraun resort offers a higher elevation, ranging from 609 metres to 2109 metres, while the Hallstatt resort sits between 522 and 552 metres. Both resorts provide slopes for beginners and are easily accessible from the village.

Beginner-Friendly Slopes

The ski area known as Dachstein West Gosau caters specifically to beginners, offering wide, perfectly groomed slopes that are ideal for newcomers to the sport. This family-friendly area also boasts modern lifts and traditional Alpine huts serving delicious meals. You'll find soft, curved ski runs perfect for building your confidence and enjoying the magnificent landscape.

Ski Rental and Transport

Hallstatt has several ski rental companies located conveniently in the village centre and near the ski resorts. Dachsteinsport Janu, for example, is situated in the centre of Hallstatt and at the valley station of the Krippenstein cable car in Obertraun, offering a range of rental options with excellent service.

Getting to the ski areas is easy, thanks to the free ski buses available during the winter season. These buses will take you directly to the ski resorts without the hassle of driving or walking from distant parking areas.

Other Winter Activities

In addition to skiing, Hallstatt offers a variety of other winter activities to enhance your holiday. You can explore the region by horse-drawn sleigh, wander through snowy landscapes on signposted winter trails, or visit one of the many Christmas markets in the Salzkammergut region. For a unique adrenaline rush, try out the "5fingers" viewing platform, which juts out over a 400-metre deep abyss.

So, whether you're hitting the slopes for the first time or looking for a magical winter getaway, Hallstatt has something for every beginner skier. With its stunning scenery, well-maintained resorts, and abundance of off-slope attractions, it's the perfect destination for an unforgettable winter escape.

Cross-country skiing trails

Cross-country skiing is a popular activity in the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut in Austria. The region offers over 700km of cross-country trails spread across the Salzkammergut region, including sunny valleys, lakes, mountains, and well-known footpaths.

The Obertraun Gjaidalm trail, at 1,738m, is the highest cross-country ski run in the region. It offers cross-country skiing on the Dachstein plateau and can be reached by car or the Hallstatt free ski shuttle bus in about 5 minutes.

The St. Agatha Trail in Bad Goisern is a classic and skating trail that is 2.52km long and takes about 40 minutes to complete. The Gosau Village Trail in Gosau is a longer trail at 10.88km, which takes about 2.5 hours. The Sports Trail in Gosau is a more challenging option, with an altitude difference of 76m and a duration of about 30 minutes.

The trails are well-designed, allowing cross-country skiers to access remote areas that may not be accessible during the summer months. Along the trails, skiers will find cosy mountain huts where they can rest and take in the beautiful surroundings.

The region also offers a variety of other winter activities, such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, winter walks and hikes, and Christmas markets.

Horse-drawn sleigh rides

The ride typically includes a brief stop in an enchanted forest, where you can warm up with some homemade spirits. After this brief respite, you'll continue on to the Kohlstatt lodge, a traditional chalet that serves as a gathering place for all ages. Here, you can warm up by the fire, enjoy specialty teas, and indulge in delicious food. The return journey is often a merry affair, with the bells on the sleighs jingling along to the rhythm of the horses.

In addition to the horse-drawn sleigh rides in Gosau, there are several other locations in Austria that offer similar experiences. The Alps, in particular, provide a stunning backdrop for such rides, with SalzburgerLand, Vorarlberg, and Styria being popular choices. Horse-drawn sleigh rides are a wonderful way to explore the snowy landscapes, cosy villages, and snow-covered forests of Austria during the winter months.

Christmas markets

Yes, you can ski in Hallstatt, Austria. The village is located in the Dachstein-Salzkammergut region, which is part of the Dachstein Mountains in Upper Austria. The ski resorts in Hallstatt are Krippenstein – Obertraun and Hallstatt, located between 1.6 and 6 kilometres from the village centre.

Now, onto the Christmas markets!

The Hallstatt Christmas Market takes place on the town's market square, surrounded by picturesque little houses. It is held annually on the second Sunday of Advent, which in 2024 falls on the 8th of December. The market is known for its romantic and intimate atmosphere, with live music, a winter wonderland, traditional delicacies, cookies, mulled wine, and punch. Visitors can also admire the three-dimensional nativity scene created by the woodworking school HTBLA Hallstatt and a large illuminated Christmas tree. The market is free to enter, and there is paid parking available nearby.

The market square is also the site of the traditional Hallstatt Corpus Christi procession each spring, which continues onto the lake if the weather is good. In the summer, the square hosts many concerts from the Saline band and cultural evenings.

If you're looking for accommodation near the market, there are hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and traditional farms to choose from.

Frequently asked questions